Monday, June 8, 2015

Pampering as Part Of My Normal Routine

This post was sponsored by Whole Foods Market who provided the products I tried to me free of cost.  All opinions and wording are my own.



Remember, "Nemo dat quod non habet - you can't give what you don't have." Taking care of yourself is SO important, but it can be incredibly difficult to try to squeeze one more thing into the day, especially when there are little ones to take care of. That's why I love doing little things to pamper myself that fit into what I have what I already have scheduled. 

One way I do this is by incorporating a scrub and lotion into my shower routine. Using these two products adds less than 5 minutes to taking a shower, and they are worth every second! 

The awesome Whole Body team at Whole Foods Market helped me to choose the exact products I've been using.  I told them that when I use a scrub, I like something that feels super scrubby. I also told them that I wanted to find a lotion that doesn't leave a sticky feeling. (I didn't share how much I loathe the sticky feeling some lotions leave.) They took it from there, and they did an outstanding job!

Sweet Citrus Sugar Scrub

I was a bit leery of a sugar scrub at first.  I have found the most success with salt scrubs in the past, and didn't think sugar could possibly feels as good on my skin. I did think it was pretty cool that this is a product made in-house at Whole Foods Market and available in bulk, though, so I decided to give it a try anyway.  After using this product for a couple of weeks every-other day, I'm happy to report how wrong I was!

This scrub had a texture similar to damp sand.  Rubbing a
quarter-sized bit of the scrub on each leg leaves them feeling soft, smooth, and ready for summer!  It also releases a nice, subtle citrus scent that reminds me of cutting into an orange.  It definitely stands up to the salt scrub I have used in the past, and even surpasses it's results.

I did find that the sugar scrub dissolves in the water faster than salt does. The quicker dissolving doesn't stop it from doing a fantastic job of scrubbing - especially if I'm rushing through my shower to head out to work or tend to the kiddos.  If I'm taking a more leisurely shower, I might try a smaller amount of scrub and do only part of my leg at  a time.  I did use this on my heels as well, which needed some attention after this past winter.  It did a great job of softening and smoothing the rough areas!  I would caution you if you choose to use this product on your feet, as it can cause things to get a bit slippery.

Because of how the sugar dissolves in water, I was a tad nervous about leaving the container in the shower.  I contemplated transferring it to a mason jar, but didn't think the metal lids would fare well. I keep thinking I should find something else, but haven't come up with a better option yet.  After two weeks of sitting on the shelf in the shower, the remaining sugar scrub is still in perfect condition, though!


Deep Steep Body Butter

When talking about a lotion to try, I shared that I was looking for something that was a great moisturizer but wouldn't leave me feeling sticky or greasy.  I didn't share how incredibly sensitive I am to those feelings or the countless number of lotions I've tried once or twice and then tossed aside when they didn't fit the bill in this area.


The Whole Body Team at Whole Foods Market knew just the right answer to my request, deep steep body butter - this is my new favorite lotion.  It's thick and holds in the moisture - even using it only every other day, but it absorbs quickly and doesn't even leave a hint of stickiness!  I also like the mild citrus scent which pairs nicely with the sugar scrub.


I've been using this lotion after my shower when I use the citrus sugar scrub.  While the directions say it can be used as an all-over lotion, I have been using it only on my lower leg and really focusing on my knee and heel areas. After just two weeks, I've noticed how much softer the skin has become on my heels and knees after the winter left them quite dry.  I've also found that on the "off" days my legs still feel soft and well-moisturized. 

A new lotion in the house is never safe from my husband's quest to end his dry skin issues.  Here's what he thought:
I have been using Deep Steep body butter from Whole Foods Market for about 3 weeks now.  I must say that I have been very pleased with the results so far.  With very minimal usage (maybe 4 times per week), I have seen pretty substantial results.  Before I used this cream, I tried many other options including, a skin care company's night cream made especially for very dry skin, petroleum jelly and various other lotions.  My pants used to stick to my knees like Velcro when I put them on.  That is a thing of the past now.  I do not have any more raw cracks.  The smell is also quite pleasant (very mild)  The absorbency factor is quite nice as well, and there is no greasy feel.

To top off the great things about this lotion, it's cruelty free - not tested on animals!

These are both products that I have no intention to stop using.  They do their job well - my skin is now summer ready! They last, so I'm not having to make a trip every week or two to replace a product that requires substantial amounts be used each time to get results.  Plus they smell great!

Thank you Whole Foods Market and to the Whole Body Team for introducing me to two new products that are becoming one of my favorite parts of my day!


My mini pampering routine is just one of the ways I take care of myself by fitting something special into my daily schedule.  What's your favorite way to sneak something special into what you do everyday?








14 comments:

  1. I LOVE body scrubs! Though I agree that they are treats so I don't even remember the last time I actively bought one. Most of the ones I've used recently were gifts ;)

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    1. What a fabulous gift to receive! I find them to be worth every penny to purchase for myself when needed though!

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  2. I have a hard time remembering to do things for myself. One thing I try to do as often as possible though is to just take a couple extra minutes in the shower. Just time to myself to think or not think, to maybe organize my day before everyone is up making their requests of my attention.

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    1. It's so hard to make time for ourselves, isn't it?! I can really tell the difference when I though...the shower seems one of the easiest places to find a bit of "me" time, for sure. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Thanks for some great tips on having nice skin! I wish we had a Whole Foods store in my area. The best part of your post for me was the "cruelty-free" notation on the lotion. I look for that first!

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    1. I've heard Whole Foods will be adding lots of new stores in the next few years...maybe you'll have one nearby soon! I have to admit I'm not always as careful about reading the labels as I should be. I'm thrilled that a great product is made well, too, though!

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  4. Love this! WHen my own wellness balance is ship shape the self care is evident. Keep it up Ladies (what we call pampering should be part of the I Love My self norm..

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    1. It really should be the norm, shouldn't it? I've found a couple of things that fit well into my weekly routine, which has been the thing that has helped me stay consistent. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I absolutely love scrubs for the body. I use them once a week. I don't often shop at Whole Foods as it is across town, but next time I'm there I will have to make a note to check it out. Great description of it for your readers. Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Talk

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  6. Thanks for stopping by Michelle! I don't shop as often as I'd like at Whole Foods as ours is a bit of a drive as well. I hear they are expaning ferouciously over the next few years though - here's hoping you get one!

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  7. These are great ideas for pampering yourself! I'm definitely picking up some of that body butter (and as an animal lover, I'm thrilled they don't test on animals). Thanks for sharing your tips at the Happy Home Life!

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    1. I'm still enjoying both, myself. I just found out the body butter comes in a couple of other scents too...roresmary mint, lavender, and another that's escaping me right now were on the shelf when I went to pick up some more yesterday! Thansk for stopping by.

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  8. What lovely ideas for looking after yourself. Thank you for sharing these with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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    1. I've really fallen in love with this as part of my routine! Thanks for stopping by.

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